“He is someone who we’ve had our eye on for a while and he will certainly strengthen our defensive options.

“He is big, strong and has a physical presence, as well as being a good footballer and having Premier League experience to his name.”

Shotton is a graduate of Stoke’s youth system and he signed professional terms with the Potters in 2007.

He gained first-team experience at Altrincham in the 2007/08 campaign before returning to the Britannia Stadium to make his first-team bow in August 2008, in the League Cup against Cheltenham Town.

The majority of the 2008/09 season was spent on loan at Tranmere Rovers in League 1 and then the following season, 2009/10, saw him turn out for Barnsley in the Championship.

After the three separate spells out on loan he became a regular face in Tony Pulis’ Stoke squad.

Following a handful of outings in 2010/11, Shotton made 37 appearances in 2011/12 in the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League and also scored his first Stoke goal in a 1-0 league win at West Bromwich Albion.

He made a further 26 appearances during the following season but, after finding himself out of favour under new boss Mark Hughes, he moved out on loan to Championship side Wigan Athletic last term and made 14 appearances in all competitions.